A royal author knew Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth for decades
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were a steadfast source of support for each other throughout their long marriage.
From their early days as newlyweds before Elizabeth unexpectedly ascended to the throne at 25, to their final moments together at Windsor Castle during the COVID lockdowns—when they reportedly took daily walks and shared evening meals—they spent the majority of their lives together.
Yet, despite their deep commitment to one another, a royal author who knew the couple for decades has claimed that Queen Elizabeth was unable to reach Prince Philip’s bedside before his death.
Gyles Brandreth, a former MP who first met Queen Elizabeth in 1968 and had a long association with both her and Prince Philip through the National Playing Fields Association, wrote in his book Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait that Elizabeth likely did not make it to her husband’s side before he passed away on April 9, 2021.
“The Queen was reported to have been at her husband’s bedside when he died on the morning of April 9, 2021. In fact, I don’t believe she was,” the author and royal expert claimed. “The Duke of Edinburgh had been in a hospital bed, set up in his dressing room at Windsor Castle. That morning, he went to the bathroom, helped by a nurse.
Brandreth has said of his closeness to Philip – after the Duke’s death – that despite the kindness the Prince Consort showed to him over the years, there was always a limit on the kind of relationship that could be built with members of the Royal Family.
Speaking to The Times, the author explained, “The Duke showed me great friendliness over 40 years, but royalty offer you friendliness, not friendship, and you have to remember the difference”.
Due to the social distancing restrictions in place, the ceremonial funeral of Prince Philip at Windsor Castle was a scaled-back affair with only 30 guests invited to attend, including Prince Harry who had, only weeks before, given his bombshell interview to Oprah Winfrey.
Late Queen breathed her last on September 8, 2022 at the age 96.
It is well-known that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip shared a strong bond throughout their marriage. Their unwavering support for each other was evident in every aspect of their lives, from their early years as a newlywed couple to their final moments together at Windsor Castle during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic. Despite their enduring commitment to each other, there are some claims that Queen Elizabeth was not able to be by Prince Philip’s side when he passed away.Renowned royal author, Gyles Brandreth, who had known the couple for decades, has stated in his book that Queen Elizabeth may not have been present at her husband’s bedside when he breathed his last on April 9, 2021. Brandreth, who had a close relationship with both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, recounted that the Duke of Edinburgh was in a hospital bed in his dressing room at Windsor Castle at the time of his passing. According to Brandreth, the Queen was reportedly at her husband’s side, but he believes otherwise.Throughout his years of knowing Prince Philip, Brandreth acknowledged the Prince Consort’s kindness towards him. However, he also highlighted the limitations that come with forming relationships with members of the Royal Family. Brandreth emphasized that while the Duke showed him great friendliness, the interaction with royalty typically remains at the friendliness level, lacking the depth of true friendship.The Duke of Edinburgh’s ceremonial funeral at Windsor Castle was a solemn affair, with only 30 guests in attendance due to the prevailing social distancing restrictions. Among the guests was Prince Harry, who had recently made headlines with his candid interview with Oprah Winfrey. The funeral was a poignant moment as the royal family bid farewell to Prince Philip, a remarkable figure in British history.As we continue to reflect on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, their enduring love and commitment serve as a testament to the strength of their bond. Despite the challenges and limitations that come with royal life, their connection remained unwavering until the very end. Join us as we delve deeper into the lives of the royal family and uncover more fascinating insights into their world. Stay tuned for more updates and informative content to enrich your knowledge about royalty and beyond.
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Source: New York Post
